Can’t Adopt? Transport!

Many animal lovers are familiar with the many ways to help shelters contend with their abundance of abandoned, abused, and unwanted pets. You rescue, volunteer, or donate money and supplies, but there is another, lesser-known way to assist these shelters in their mission. 

Though unbeknownst to many, hundreds of animals travel from “kill” shelters to “no-kill” rescues, often going hundreds of miles around the country, all thanks to the coordinated efforts of volunteer drivers. Transport coordinators are assigned to pull pets from shelters where they’ve run out of time, plan the routes to their destination shelters, and coordinate the volunteer drivers for each leg of their journey. In addition, these transport groups usually arrange any foster or overnight volunteers, as well as arranging their health certificates, medical considerations, and proper vetting prior to travel.  

Through rescue transport groups, drivers volunteer to take individual “legs” of the trip, usually averaging an hour or so, each ensuring that the animal arrives safely to the destination. It’s a large undertaking, undoubtedly, but these efforts grant these pets a second chance, and it’s astounding to see the number of people that come together for the sake of one pet. Rescue groups tend to be close-knit, as well, and it’s an opportunity to gather with like-minded individuals working toward a common goal.

“…it’s an opportunity to gather with like-minded individuals working toward a common goal.”

You can only rescue so many animals, or donate so much time or money, but rescue transports provide another opportunity to exchange a small amount of time and gas to save an animal’s life. Not only will you become an integral part of the well-oiled transport machine and rescue a pet, but you’ll free space in another shelter for another abandoned animal to be given a chance. Overall, transports offer a direct, tangible reward for your rescue efforts.  

If you’d like to get involved in pet rescue transports, there are many Rescue and Transport Groups to choose from on Facebook, based on your location and availability. Many of these are volunteer-based and always looking for new drivers, fosters, and overnights. All it takes is a quick form, a few supplies, and a little gas to get you started! 

If you enjoyed this post, you should read Babies and Dogs: Beyond The Cute Factor here.

I’ve transported pups before-it is so rewarding! Do you have a favorite rescue to transport with? Share below!